Survivor Expectations and Experiences of One‐Stop Crisis Centres in Bangladesh
A Qualitative Study of Health System Responsiveness to Gender‐Based Violence
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 19508403 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Mst Sabrina Moonajilin (0000-0003-4135-9960, Queensland University of Technology), Sayema Mubashshira (Jahangirnagar University), Md Khalid Ibne Kamal (Jahangirnagar University), Rajib Ul Islam (Jahangirnagar University), Labina Taher (Queensland University of Technology), Tabeen Taher (Queensland University of Technology), Sabkat Kamal (0000-0002-6548-4937, Jahangirnagar University, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 29 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Pages | e70643-e70643 |
| Publication date | 2026-04-01 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Health Expectations (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1369-6513 • E-ISSN: 1369-7625 |
| Publisher | Wiley (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1111/hex.70643 |
| PMID | 41891128 |
| OpenAlex | W7141120667 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 42 |
BACKGROUND: Gender-based violence (GBV) constitutes a significant public health concern that necessitates coordinated, survivor-centred health system responses. Health systems are essential in addressing GBV by delivering timely, respectful, and coordinated support to survivors. In Bangladesh, One-Stop Crisis Centres (OCCs) have been established within public hospitals to provide integrated medical, psychosocial, and legal services. However, there is limited research on how survivors evaluate these services and whether their expectations for survivor-centred care are fulfilled in practice. This study explored the perspectives of survivors and frontline providers regarding OCC services, with a specific focus on health system responsiveness. METHODS: This qualitative study explored the experiences and expectations of survivors and service providers regarding OCC services in Bangladesh. In-depth interviews were conducted with GBV survivors (n = 32) and frontline service providers (n = 4) at two sites. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, guided by a health system responsiveness framework lens and the gender-responsive public services framework (availability, accessibility, acceptability, quality, and accountability) to explore how institutional practices shape survivor-centred care. RESULTS: Five interrelated themes emerged. Survivors demonstrated limited awareness of OCC services before crisis events, with access frequently facilitated by police or emergency referrals. Institutional capacity constraints, such as staffing shortages and inadequate infrastructure, negatively impacted the timeliness of care. Experiences related to dignity and privacy were inconsistent. Some survivors reported supportive interactions, whereas others described judgmental questioning and breaches of confidentiality. Fragmented coordination among medical, legal, and social services disrupted the continuity of care. The absence of formal feedback mechanisms restricted opportunities for survivors to contribute to service improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Although OCCs constitute a significant institutional response to GBV care and the realities of service delivery. Enhancing awareness pathways, improving intersectoral coordination, and establishing survivor-centred accountability mechanisms could improve the responsiveness of integrated GBV services
Accountability · Health care · Health services · Occupational safety and health · Poison control · Qualitative research · Service (business) · Suicide prevention · Global Maternal and Child Health · Intimate Partner and Family Violence · Viral Infections and Outbreaks Research
Barriers and Facilitators for Help-Seeking Behaviors in British South Asian Women Who Have Experienced Domestic Violence
Gender-Based Violence Interventions in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Influence of Cultural Norms on Formal Service Engagement Among Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence
Our Wished‐for Responses
The Relationship Between Healthcare System Distrust and Intention to Use Violence Against Health Professionals
‘I think I will need help’
Healthcare Providers’ Perceptions and Experiences of Training to Respond to Violence against Women
Women's Help-Seeking and Service Experiences
From favours to entitlements
Using thematic analysis in psychology
Space, place, and the politics of access
Unveiling the Challenges of Gender-Based Violence NGOs in South Africa
Which aspects of non-clinical quality of care are most important? Results from WHO's general population surveys of "health systems responsiveness" in 41 countries
The meaning of patient involvement and participation in health care consultations
Mechanisms for community prevention of violence against women in low- and middle-income countries
| Highly cited | No |
|---|